Baton of Hope to return to Birmingham in 2027

By Mental Health Correspondent

The Baton of Hope is to return to Birmingham in 2027, giving communities across the city another chance to come together around suicide prevention.

The UK-wide initiative first visited Birmingham in 2023, when people from across the city and the wider West Midlands carried the Baton and shared messages of hope and support.

Its return has been secured through a joint bid by Birmingham City Council, Samaritans Birmingham, Cruse Bereavement Support Birmingham, James’ Place and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

The announcement comes after 89 people in Birmingham died by suicide in 2024.

The Baton of Hope aims to encourage people to talk more openly about suicide, challenge stigma and help people recognise when someone may be struggling.

Cllr Nosheen Khalid, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said:

“Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and behind every statistic is a family, a friendship group, a workplace and community left dealing with the consequences.

“The Baton of Hope gives us a very visible way of saying that suicide prevention matters, and that none of us should be afraid of talking about it.”

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Lorraine Green, Director of Samaritans Birmingham, said:

“We are honoured that Birmingham has been chosen to host the Baton of Hope in 2027.

“Our goal has always been simple: fewer people die by suicide. Every day, our volunteers listen without judgement to people who are struggling, and this initiative shines a vital light on suicide prevention and the importance of reaching out for support.”

Other organisations involved include Cruse Bereavement Services and James’ Place, which supports men experiencing crisis.

Ciaran Brady, Head of Centre Birmingham at James’ Place, said he hoped the tour would encourage people to check in with the men in their lives and help them reach out for support.

The Baton of Hope has travelled across the UK since its first tour in 2023, with a second tour taking place in 2025.

The 2027 tour will visit 20 locations after more than 60 communities applied to host a leg.

Details of the Birmingham route, events and Baton bearers will be announced later.

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